I do an awful lot of talking about this particular beverage but am by no means an aficionado. I brewed another IPA the other day with my buddy Steve. I think I have only brewed IPA’s except for the first brew I ever tried, a Hefeweizen. I have always known it was the world’s oldest alcoholic drink but I was surprised to find out yet another great historical fact. My Grandma Elenore is 93 years young and never ceases to amaze me. Seriously she is witty, intelligent and can still dance a jig. She moved to Alaska on her own with three or four kids back in the 60’s and built a grocery store. Her life really should be a book, but anyway back to the beer.
She got her license to sell liquor and had it shipped in from Seattle along with all the other goods she sold. So the other night I was with her and talking about my brewing in a nonchalant cool way and she just pulls out the “do you have a capper?” and motions the capping mechanism. I was like what, you brew too!?! She brewed it and gave it to her friends, and soldiers on leave ( I am sure that is a great story too). Anyway the thing that is great is that although it has been done through the ages it has the ability to relate across generations. I love that my grandma brewed beer. You too can get in on the action by going over to the Home Brew Outlet don’t mind the guy that works there, he was born that way. That’s what he said anyway.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Dan // Jun 9, 2009 at 6:30 am
I like the beer styles page on the HBO site! It seams like most home bewers I have encountered brew IPA (not my favorite). Is it easier to do than some others? I guess it should have a better shelf life at least.
Let me know if you and Steve need some help tasting the new brew!
2 Erica // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:23 am
Mmmmmm…..beer. Although I agree with Dan, IPA isn’t my favorite, either. Your Grandma seems pretty cool.
3 Ian M. // Jun 10, 2009 at 7:29 am
IPA keeps longer than other types, but it’s not my favorite either. The best part about home brewing is being able to experiment- think coffee, lavender, pumpkin pie spice…Keep in mind that a good fermentation needs a constant temperature between 65 and 75 degrees, which is harder to do in the Summer months. I use my basement.
4 micah // Jun 10, 2009 at 11:24 am
IPA’s seem to be having quite a surge in popularity as of late. I personally do really like that particular style, the flowery hoppy bouquet does it for me. Thanks for the tip Ian I am thinking the basement is a good option.
5 Chris // Jun 14, 2009 at 10:49 am
My father-in-law and I have been brewing for about 3 years. We have brewed everything from the heaviest Imperial Russian Stout to the lightest Belgian Whit. I have done a couple of IPA’s and think they are “ok”.
If you don’t care for the attitude at the Home Brew Outlet, and would like a little better selection, check out http://www.morebeer.com (if you are a first time brewer, call them…they are a great resource.)
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